Overview & Reviews

Originally known as Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget (Svenska Aircraft Company), Saab is a Swedish company that began manufacturing automobiles in 1949. The company's early designs placed an emphasis on aerodynamics that is reflective of its history as an aircraft manufacturer.

The first production Saab, the 92, boasted a lower coefficient of drag than many modern cars. The 93, unveiled in 1955, was powered by a three-cylinder, 33-horsepower engine, and featured the distinctive fastback profile that made early Saabs among the most recognizable cars on the road. By the time the '50s drew to a close, Saab's lineup had grown to include the 95 wagon (capable of seating up to seven) and the 93 750 Gran Turismo, the automaker's first series-built sports car.

The marque started the '60s with the introduction of its successful Saab 96. With a production run of 20 years, this was the car that made Saab a recognized presence in the international market. The decade also saw the launch of the Saab Sport coupe. Scoring numerous wins on the rally circuit, the coupe marked Saab as a force to be reckoned with. The Sport's success on the track inspired a name change; it later came to be known as the Saab Monte Carlo 850. The Saab Sonett II sports car, with its body of fiberglass-reinforced plastic, also made its debut during the '60s, as did the Saab 99, which was the first Saab to feature the manufacturer's trademark wraparound windshield.

In 1973, Saab gave birth to the 99 Combi Coupe. The car came to define the Saab brand; with its hatchback and fold-down rear seat it offered remarkable utility. By the end of the decade, Saab had rolled out the 99 Turbo, which was a forerunner in harnessing turbo technology for use in production cars. The company also introduced the Saab 900, which held the distinction of being the first car to offer a cabin air filter.

During the 1980s, Saab cars (especially the Turbo models) gained American popularity as young urban professionals (yuppies) sought them out. The decade saw the launch of the 900 Turbo, the 900 Turbo Aero (the world's first car to offer a 16-valve turbo engine), the 900 convertible and the Saab 9000, a larger four-door car available in hatchback, and later on, sedan body styles.

In 1990, General Motors bought half of Saab's automotive division. The decade saw the launch of a revamped 900; the car offered a bevy of cutting-edge safety features, including three rear three-point seatbelts and rear side-impact protection. By the time the '90s drew to a close, Saab had also unveiled the 9-5, a larger, premium four-door sedan that essentially replaced the 9000. The 9-5 offered a host of new technologies such as ventilated seats. It was also the first to offer Saab's active head restraints, a system designed to prevent whiplash injuries.

By the 2000s, General Motors had bought the other half of Saab Automobile. Despite the brand's position on the leading edge of safety technology, Saab's popularity in the U.S. and around the world waned as its product portfolio grew increasingly stale and reliant on GM for parts, platforms and design. New models like the 9-2X and the 9-7X were based on platforms borrowed from other brands -- Subaru and Chevrolet, respectively. Meanwhile, the 9-5 soldiered on and the second-generation 9-3 ditched its quirky hatchback body style in favor of a mainstream sedan design. The hope was to make the 9-3 more appealing to American car buyers, but ultimately it only served to remove the car's unique personality.

In the midst of General Motors' financial difficulties and eventual bankruptcy, Saab was viewed as a disposable, troubled asset and essentially cast away. With the financial assistance of a European bank and the Swedish government, Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg intended to purchase Saab with the promise of restructuring the brand and keeping production within Sweden. That deal fell through when Koenigsegg changed its mind about becoming involved with such a troubled company. Another niche-market supercar company, Spyker Cars, pursued the purchase of Saab. But that venture eventually failed as well and ultimately, at the end of 2011, Saab went into "wind-down" mode, filing for bankruptcy. In other words, Saab's future is still very much in limbo.

User Reviews:

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  Navy Blue Rocket Sled - 1999 Saab 9-3
  By Spark9-3 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for about 2 months now. I love it. If you are good with driving stick this car will satisfy that urge for power. I love everything about the car, testdrive one, you will be hooked VERY quickly. My only advice is to find one with a CD changer as it costs 700 from saab to have one installed, and other than that the only option for CDs other than replacing the radio is a FM modulated changer (I just had one installed from tweeter today) which runs around $350.

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  Fast, fun and functional. - 2000 Saab 9-3
  By menzo - March 6 - 6:56 pm

  This is the definitive Saab. Best Saab ever, only the 78 99 turbo compares. It is not a typical 9-3. It has improved suspension, wheels, brakes, aerodynamics, seats, electronics, computer settings for the engine (higher horse power). Overall it is a pleasure to drive. Instant acceleration, great cornering, handling and control when braking at high speeds. Because of the high torque it does have torque steer which is most noticable at lower speed acceleration. 31+ mpg highway - 29 mpg country road commute. This car is for you if you enjoy windy country roads taken at fast speeds.

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  Great Value, Sweet Swedish Ride! - 2005 Saab 9-5
  By martinigop - March 6 - 3:46 am

  Just purchased a new 9-5 Aero after owning a 2003 BMW 525i for the past 3 years. My BMW corners better then the SAAB, but I find the 9-5 much more fun to drive. A comparably equipped 5 series is nearly $60K! Having driven both cars, the BMW is not enough better then then the 9-5 to justify the difference in price. The critics are dead wrong about this car. In my humble opinion I think its still one of of the best looking cars on the road. My SAAB turns far more heads then my BMW ever did. There are definitely a few quirky features on the 9-5, but I think it adds to the whole "coolness factor" of the car. If money is not a factor buy the BMW, otherwise save the bucks!

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  Meets Expectations - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Baron - March 2 - 9:40 pm

  Got an automatic linear with the ESP, Harmon-Kardon Audio, memory steats, etc. package. Smooth and sporty feel even with snows (these make the car as good as a 4WD in winter where originals are sketchy) Improved suspension from old 9-5 helps but it still understeers a bit. Great trunk room which is key since I went from a pickup to the 9-5.

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  Saabs Are Awesome - 2001 Saab 9-3
  By yertle - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Saabs are very good cars and are very fast. They are also very comfortable too.

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  Nothing But Praise - 2002 Saab 9-5
  By Copa - February 25 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Car. If you want a good size wagon with great performance, the Saab Aero is it. Bigger than the 540 wagon and much less than either the BMW or Audi. The best bang for the buck.

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  Love My Saab 9-3 SE Hatch - 2002 Saab 9-3
  By tomc1965 - February 25 - 10:00 am

  I always like the Saabs unique look and when I saw what they were leasing for I had to check one out. I am glad I did because they had $3500 in rebates until the end of July. Had trouble getting a 5 speed because no other dealer wanted to make a trade. The car fits me like a glove. It is quicker than everything else I have ever driven. The suspension is stiff but still compliant. Very little torque steer unless you get on it when pulling away from a stop when making a left or right turn. I bought a midnight blue 5 speed Saab 9-3 SE 4 door hatch with the premium package and heated seats. Tons of room in the hatch area for storage. Excellent fit and finish.

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  Totally New Car - 2003 Saab 9-3
  By former ford driver - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Unlike any Saab Ive ever driven. A true premium entry level luxury sedan. Holds its own and then some compared to the BMW 3s and Audi A4.

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  Great Value - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By Dr. Indianapolis - February 19 - 9:16 am

  A wonderful value, handles like a champ in the snow. Very comfortable and fun to drive. Best seats I have ever sat in, HVAC is powerful. Only downside is the interior look (plastic), but that is superficial. Drives fast, turbo is cool, the car is very safe and a winner for value among all other makers (pay more for wood interior and nothing else). Indy Saab on 16th street is a great dealership with wonderful service.

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  Safest Car on the Road!! - 2004 Saab 9-3
  By benji05 - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Just recently I was involved in a 3 car pile up. A teenager driving about 45 slammed into the car behind me and then that car slammed into me. I got out of my car a little shook up and expected my 3 month old saab to be totaled, and to my astonishment there wasnt a scratch or dent on it!! Now the car that hit me and the other car were totally totaled and could not be driven away from the accident! This is the safest car out there. What other car do you know of that can withstand and 45 mph collision without a scratch? I would recommend this car to anyone! It has a beautiful design and flawless inteior. Very quit and great power. and every safety feature is o